There are many people in Bradford working hard to build up the city's reputation as a place which gives a high priority to the arts, entertainment and leisure. That is vital to our bid for the title of European Capital of Culture which, if it succeeds, will bring with it a whole host of benefits.

However, it does not help if the people who come along to patronise the arts in Bradford in the form of productions and events at the Priestley Centre are finding at the end of the evening that their cars have been broken into.

It is unfortunate for the Centre, which is not well-blessed with funds, that it is now having to spend some of its money on employing a security guard to patrol the streets of Little Germany around its Chapel Street premises as a measure to protect patrons' cars. However, if greater peace of mind brings increased support for the Centre, it will be money well spent.

The improved lighting and new CCTV cameras promised for Little Germany next year should help, but they will not solve what some people believe is the Priestley Centre's greatest handicap: the burned-out hulk of Eastbrook Hall next door.

This has been an eyesore in the city centre since it was gutted by fire in 1996, and a dangerous one at that. It is time that some action was taken over it.

If a developer for the site behind its existing frontage cannot be found soon, then the alternative - demolition - surely must become a serious consideration.